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[For 4-year-olds] Popular and classic songs to sing at recitals and seasonal events

By the time they turn four, children show growth in many ways: they can listen to stories and words and let their imaginations soar, and they become able to express their feelings and thoughts in words.

Through music, we hope they encounter many words and melodies and grow healthy in both mind and body.

Here are some highly recommended songs that are perfect for four-year-olds.

We’ve gathered a wide range of genres: songs that feel exhilarating to sing, songs with storylines that spark imagination, and songs that express feelings for family and friends.

These selections are great not only for everyday childcare settings but also for recitals and events!

Find songs that suit the children, and be sure to have fun singing together.

[For 4-year-olds] Popular and classic songs to sing at recitals and seasonal events (41–50)

Full of dreamsSeki Yumiko

Its refreshing melody brims with kindness and dreams, and the vocals—filled with the children’s wholehearted excitement—are truly captivating.

You can feel the desire to cherish the spirited feelings from childhood while enjoying encounters with new friends and the thrill of adventure.

In harmony with Yumiko Seki’s translucent voice, each day feels fun and pure emotions overflow.

Released in April 1990, this work captured the hearts of audiences from children to adults as the opening theme for the first season of the TV anime Chibi Maruko-chan.

It’s the perfect cheer song for energetic kids who can quickly make friends in a new environment.

[For 4-year-olds] Popular and classic songs to sing at recitals and seasonal events (51–60)

Here we go!HIKAKIN & SEIKIN

TV Anime 'ONE PIECE' We Go! ~HIKAKIN & SEIKIN with Luffy Special ver.~
Here we go!HIKAKIN & SEIKIN

A lively, fun song has arrived to energize the Fish-Man Island arc of the TV anime ONE PIECE! With a tightly synced duet by HIKAKIN & SEIKIN, joined by Mayumi Tanaka—known as the voice of Luffy—the track passionately sings of dreams and adventure.

The work highlights the bonds between friends and the drive to chase dreams, uplifting children’s hearts.

It has been chosen as the opening theme for the anime SPECIAL EDITED VERSION “ONE PIECE” Fish-Man Island Arc, airing from January 2025, perfectly matching the world of the show.

It’s a song the whole family can enjoy, so why not spend a wonderful musical time singing and dancing along with your kids?

Happy ChildrenSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka

Happy Children (Lyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa / Music by Hirotaka Nakagawa) [From Toshihiko Shinzawa’s 40th Anniversary of Musical Activities “Nursery Song Concert”]
Happy ChildrenSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka

This song centers on the mysterious power of children’s smiles.

With a bright, pop sound, it’s a tune that both kids and adults can enjoy together.

The word “happy” appears many times, making it a song that lifts your spirits just by listening.

It’s a classic created by Toshihiko Shinzawa and Hirotaka Nakagawa, released in July 1988.

It’s also included on the album “Howatt Kokoro ga Attamaru: Otona mo Suki na Kodomotachi no Uta.” It’s perfect for school events like entrance and graduation ceremonies.

If you sing and dance along with the children, it’s sure to become a wonderful time filled with smiles.

I love stripes!

[Classic Song] I Love Stripes ♪ [Shimajiro Channel Official]
I love stripes!

The song, created from a child’s perspective, features a bright, rhythmic melody and familiar, easy-to-sing lyrics.

Naomi Minami’s appeal as a voice actress shines through, and her energetic vocals capture children’s hearts.

Released in March 2018, the track was featured on the children’s educational program “Shimajiro no Wow!” and has become popular with many kids.

It is also included on the album “Shimajiro no Wow! Uta♪ Dance Special Vol.11,” and has been developed as related content for Benesse Corporation’s early childhood correspondence course “Kodomo Challenge.” Since it’s a song that children can enjoy singing and dancing to together, it’s recommended for music time or use at events.

Kupurupā is a secret word!

Movie tie-in dance song “Kuprupa Is a Secret Word!” [Shimajiro Channel Official]
Kupurupā is a secret word!

This is an insert song from the film that, with its bright, poppy sound and lyrics that capture children’s hearts, conveys the importance of friendship and cooperation.

Using the “secret word” as their motto, Shimajiro and his friends embark on an adventure that communicates the value of bonds and a spirit of kindness.

With its rhythmic groove and dance, it’s designed for kids to enjoy together.

The song appears in the March 2019 film Shimajiro and Ururu’s Hero Land, where it’s used memorably alongside the adventure in Hero Land.

It also comes with a fun group dance, making it a recommended track for preschools and at home.

To the Sun in the Palm of Your Hand

Hands to the Sun — Vocals: AI Kiritan (with lyrics)
To the Sun in the Palm of Your Hand

It’s a classic children’s song brimming with the joy and hope of living.

Through the sight of blood glowing red when sunlight shines through a hand, it gently conveys the preciousness of life.

Earthworms, dragonflies, frogs, and other creatures make appearances, and the warm melody teaches the wonder of living together.

The lyrics, imbued with Takashi Yanase’s deep sentiments, harmonize beautifully with the bright tune crafted by Tak Izumi.

First broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1962, it was performed by the Boys Jacks on the 1965 Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It later appeared in elementary school music textbooks and has continued to be cherished by many.

It’s a perfect cheer song for children swelling with hope as they take a new step forward.

Yo-kai Exercise No. 1Dream5

Yo-kai Watch: Yokai Exercise No. 1
Yo-kai Exercise No. 1Dream5

The ending theme of a TV anime, sung by Dream5 and beloved by both children and adults, is creating a buzz.

This work charms listeners with its fun, upbeat style that portrays everyday little happenings—like oversleeping or being picky about food—as the doings of yokai.

Their 12th single, released in April 2014, was a tie-in with a TV Tokyo anime, and with choreography by Lucky Ikeda, it became a huge topic among children.

It’s a song that kids can enjoy moving their bodies to together, with easy-to-learn choreography that makes it a hit at nursery and kindergarten events.

It’s also recommended for parent-child recreation and as a dance for sports days.